Control apparatus for electric signs



@QL 25, Z. F, E. L WLDE; 31,8@494-54 CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICSIG-NS Filed Dec. l2, 1929 wif-5% lsatentedl Oct. 2x5,

PATENT OFFICE FRANCIS E. .L WILBE, F FOREST HILLS, YORK CONTROLAPPARATUS. FOR ELGTRICl SIGNS.

Application.lediDecember 12, 1929. Serial No; 413,477..

The present ii'ivention relates-f tor apparatus for the operation andcontrol. 'of 'electric signs, particularly the sos'called talking srgnswherein lights mounted in a bank `on 5 a suitable b-oard are selectivelyflashed to pro! 'duce the edect of traif'eling characters as, forinstance, letters yor symbols 'of any kind. The invention specilicallycontemplates 'certain improvements and refinements of operation .o inapparatus ofthe type sh'oivnand described in my pri'o'r Patents1,623,899 and 1,626,900, and in cop-'ending application Serial No. 015,filed lune 29th, 1929. l In apparatus of the general class referred i5to herein, these traveling sign effects are usuall;7 pifoduc'ed bypassing patterns of th'e desired characters or outlines in propersuccession pasta bank of contact devices Which are 'actuated lby thepatterns and thereby operate to ene'g'iz'e jcorrespondingly locatedlights on board, Wit-h the result that the travel 'of the l'characterpatterns past the Contact bank produces a corresponding travel of il- ,l)l-unin-'aft'ed characters across the vvsign board. The:be'stopera'ti'on'of such signs requires that a coiitiiiuoi'i's passa-geor 'circulation of character patterns, properly spaced and in propersequence be maintained past the'contact bank. The character patterns orsign plates comimonly I'consist yof a block or backing provided at itsfront face with a raised character, as tor instance, a single letter,number, or the like. Handling of these individual sign 'plates in rapidsuccession past the contact bank and in returning them in proper 'orderand relation for repetition of thesign VWithout incurring irregularitiesin opera-tion vvliich disturb or interrupt the presentation o of thesign is ka lmatter of some importance in apparatus ofthis class.

lt is a principal object of this invention to pro* "de, -in apparatus ofthe class referred to, an improved means of handling the individua'l'character patterns or sign plates, and the invention has to doparticularly with means for :positively controlling and handling thesign plates throughout the entire cycle Yofoperation so that .properspacing and '50 sequence of the sign plates past the Contact bank isassured, and so that danger of am;- ming and stoppage 'of the signplates at all p'olntsin their 'passage from the discharge side 'of the'contact bank back to the intake side tl Contact bank for repetition isdei/initely eliminated. v

it is also an object of the invention to provide means tor handling thesign plates out 'of the Contact bank and reversing and arranging 'themin proper position for repetition of the sign Which effects anexpeditious, posiand accurate handling of the plates with a mininiunispace requirement.

it is a still further object to provide various improvements inconstruction and design of apparatus of this general class, and

ticul'irly to provide an improved mechanical and electrical constructionfor certain details of the contact bank.

The novel features of construction, combi;

nat i and relation of parts by Which the foi oi'ng and other desirableobjects are ed 'are set fort-h belov.7 and illustrated 'accompanyingdrawing Which shows certain preferred embodiments of the inventi'on. l

y In said draivi'ng Figure l is a side eleva- `io'nal vieu', largely insec`tion,of a preferred form 'of apparatus embodying the invention anddesigned 'for minimum space requirements; Figure 2 is a side elevationalview of va 'slightly 'n'iodi'lied form of apparatus of somewhat'different relative proportions; Figure '3 is an enlarged sectionaldetail view of a .portion ofthe apparatus of Figure l, the new beingtaken on the plane indicated at in Eigure l and Figure 4C is a sectional'View show-ing a ldetail of the Contact bank.

,Referring particularly to Figures l and 2 ofthe drawing, l indicatesthe storage reservoir 'or magazine for 'the character patterns or signplates vwith the sign-plates 2 stacked therein in super-imposedrelation. Each of the sign plates 2 consists, as better shovvn in Figure3, of a base member or backing 3 of insulating materia-l having providedthereon a character pattern il. Amade of relatively thin material whichis a good electrical conductor, as for instance, brass. The characterpattern on each sign plate consists of a single letter or other symbol.The insulating backing 3 of the sign plate carries lugs or runners 5 onits front face, which lugs extend out beyond the face of the charactersymbol 4 which is carried by the base plate so that, when the signplates are stacked in the magazine 1, the character patterns 4 are savedfrom contact with the adjacent plates. This construction alsofacilitates removal of the sign plates at the bottom of the magazineinasmuch as it reduces the friction between the plates and` enables thebottom plate of the stack to be slid out without application of undueforce. The exact construction and design of the sign plates 2 is notapart of this invention, and it is therefore understood that any suitabletype of sign plate may be employed, as for instance the particular kindsof sign plates disclosed in my above-mentioned patents and copendingapplication.

In the apparatus here shown, the sign plates 2 feed downwardly throughthe magazine 1 under the influence of gravity but, if desired, apositive feed, such as disclosed in my above-mentioned copendingapplication, may be used. The signplates 2 are removed from the bottomof magazine 1, one at a time, the sign plates being deposited on andcarried bya chains 6. These chains carry the sign p tes in closelyspaced relation upwardly ast the contact bank 7. The sign plates 2 ie`face downwardly in the magazine so that, when they are deposited onchains 6, the electrically conductingcharacter pattern on each platefaces downwardly and is thus carried around in such position that thecharacter patterns properly face the contact bank. .[he Contact bank 7Vconsists essentially of a. series of fixed contact posts 8 each providedwith a fixed wire or connection, not shown, which leads to a lamp on thesign board and serves to actuate same. Cooperating with fixed contactposts 8 are a corresponding number of contact brushes 9 which are in theform of narrow flexible strips of bronze or other good conducting metal.These contact brushes 9 pass over the face of the sign plates 2 as thesign plates move past the contact bank. Those of the brushes 9 whichcome in contact with the electrical conducting character pattern therebycomplete the energizing circuit for the lamp in the sign board to whichthat particular contact brush is connected. The result is that lights onthe sign board are selectively lighted or flashed in the form ofcharacters corresponding to the character patterns on the sign plates.

` The entire contact bank is mounted in a frame 10 pivoted at its bottomedge 11 and removably secured at its upper end as indicated at 12 sothat the entire contact bank can be swung out at a moments notice tofaclitate replacement of worn contacts. A Contact bank of this generaltype is shown and described in detail in my above-mentioned copendingapplication.

The sign plate carrying chains 6 consist of two chains in parallelarrangement spaced apart, as shown in Figure 3, such distance as f isappropriate for carrying the sign plates Each of the chains 6 is anendless chain operating over an end sprocket 13 at the bottom terminalportion of the chain,`a sprocket 14 which turns the chain from adownward vertical direction into a horizontal direction, and sprockets15 at the upper end of the apparatus which serve to support and carrythe chain around the sign plate reversal portion of the apparatus. Thesprockets are built in pairs for the respective chains, each pair ofsprockets being connected by a shaft fixed to the sprockets to assuresynchronous operation of the two chains. The driving power of theapparatus furnished by motor 16 driving the shaft 17 of sprockets-14through driving connections indicated diagrammatically at 18 but notshown 1n detail'. In the embodiment shown the direction of rotation ofall of the sprockets is counter-clockwise so that the inner [lights ofthe chains 6 which carry the sign plates 2 operate upwardly past thecontact bank 7, around the reversing bend at the top of the apparatusand back downwardly to the bottom of the apparatus around sprocket 13 tothe magazine. l

Each ofthe chains carries a series of lugs 19 positioned correspondinglyon the respective chains and spaced apart a distance equal to thedesired spacing between successive edges of the sign plates 2 as theypass the contact bank 7. As the chains G operate past the lower end ofthe magazine 1, the sign plates 2 are slid off of' the bottom of thestack. one at a time, by lugs 19, thus effectively and positivelyselecting the successive sign plates and spacing them correctly on thechains.

The change of direction of the sign plates 2 between the magazine 1 andthe contact bank 7 is accomplished by means oi a specially constructedreel 20, and the reversal of the sign plates between the discharge sideof the contact bank 7 and the top end of the magazine 1 is effected by asimilarly constructed reel 21. These reels 2O and 21 consist 'of a pairof wheels rigidly affixed to rotating shafts 33 and spaced apart adistance equal to the spacing of the chains 6. Both of the side wheelsof the reels 20 and 21 are provided around their peripheries with slotsor notches 23 shaped to receive the lugs 19 provided on the chains andspaced apa-rt a distance corresponding to the spacing of the lugs alongthe chains. Thus, as chains (i operate around reels 20 and 21, lugs 19engage with the respective notches 23 in the periphery of the reels,with the signs plates 2 confined in the chambers or compartments lOl)bounded on one side by the reel, on the other side by the chains and atthe respective ends by the lugs 19.

lVith the construction just described the sign plates 2 are handledthrough all c "on in direction oit their flow in such mani y each plateis under positive independent trol at all times. This manner ot handlingthe sign plates, particularly changing their direction ot passage is aparticularly iin-gortant step in the operation oi apparatus of thisclass. This arrangementeliminates the possibility or likelihood ofjamming or stoppage of the plates in the reverse guide, and at otherplaces, and avoids the confusion and disorder ot flow which unavoidablyoccurs at'times Where the sign plates are pushed around 'a reversingbend or are dropped through a curved chute. rllhe present i ventionprovides to reliable, positive and independent handling oi each signplate iroughout such changes in direction of iioW as are necessary ordesirable in the operati n oi the apparatus.

The handling of the sign plates 2 by means oi the reels 2O and 2l makesit possible to handle the plates through changes in directionoic flow ina minimum ot' space. This feature is apparent from Figure l oi thedraiving. The reels 2O and 2l need be only of suiiicient size to enablethe sign plates to be handled conveniently in the space between thechains and the reels. Since the dimension ot the sign plates in thedirection of the lengtl of the' cha-ins is not great, the reels can besmall7 and practically tl e entire amount ot space occupied in changingthe direction of dow of the plates iskdeterniined by the diameter ot thereels, only suiiicient additional space being needed as is required tocarry the return portion of the chain.

is the sign plates 2 are discnarged from the reel 2l they are passedinto the top of n igazine A guide member 24 is provided, as shown, atthe top of the magazine to facilitate the deposit ot the sign plates inthe magazine proper side down. By Way of precaution, the guide portion2d is mounted through the medium or" a movable sect-ion 25, so that it'the magazine should become too full or it the plates should in any vvaynot slide down into the magazine properly, the movable portion would beswung out, thus losing electrical contact 26 which is connected incircuit with a Warning signal or with a relay to open the motor circuit(not shown).

rhe invention also contemplates an improved mechanical and electricalconstruction adapted for use in the Contact bank 7. Referring to Figure4l, 27 indicates the insulating board in which the lined contact posts Sare mounted. The present improved construction comprises fixed Contactpost consisting of an inner portion 2S and an outer portion 29. l Theinner portion 28 lies insde oi the insulating board 27 and is inengagement with the contact brush 9, as shown. The portion 29 of thelined contact post has a shoulder 30 Which tits against the outer sideot the insulating board 27, as shown, and has a threaded projection 3lwhich extends through the insulating board 28 into threaded engagementwith the contact portion 28. ln the assembly of the contact bank po1ion29, the lined contact post is inserted through the tapped hole providedfor that purpose in the insulating' board 8 and the portion 28 isscrewed on in the position shown and firmly tightened up. The contactbrushes 9, tor-'ether With the associated parts in which they aremounted, as shown, are then put in place. The construction and mountingof the contact brushes 9 '.oivn and described in detail in my abovementioned copending application. Lead Wires -which connect the linedContact posts with the lamps on the sign board are then merely insertedinto the hole provided in the outer end of the portion 29 and may besecured `ierein by squeezing portion 29 together, as

lli in cated at 253, by a suitable tool. By means ot this constructionthe contact posts may be raoidly and readily assembled on insulatingboard 2T, a rigid and reliable attachment of the contact posts to theboard is effected and an extremely quick and convenient means forattach-.ng the lead Wires thereto is provided.

The invention is defined in the following claims in terms oi' thosefeatures of const-ruction, combination and design, Which give rise tothe improvements and advantages attained by the present apparatus, allas illustrated and described herein. TWhile the structural embodimentsshown and described herein are presentpreterred embodiments, it isevident that changes may be made in the exact structure and arrangementot parts Without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims.

l claim:

l. Electric sign control apparatus of the class disclosed, whichcomprises sign plates, transportinomeans for engaging said plates toellect movement thereof', and means for effecting a. change in thedirection of movement of said plat-es which comprises a rotatable memberadapted to engage said plates on the side thereof opposite the saidtransporting means, and means tor causing the said transporting means tofollow around the periphery ot said rotatable member a distancesutlicient eITect the desired change in direction, whereby the signplates are positively held between the said transporting means and thesaid rotatable member and are thereby positively guided and supportedthroughout the desired change in the direction orP movement.

rae

2. Apparatus of the class described which comprises sign plates, amagazine for containing said plates, traveling chains upon which signplates from said magazine are 5 successively placed in proper sequencefor presentation of the sign, a contact bank past which said sign platesare moved, a rotating reel interposed in the path of the said signplates between the discharge side of the contact bank and the returnopening of said magazine, and means for passing said chains about aportion of the periphery of said reel with the said sign plates heldbetween said chains and said reel to thereby effect a change in thedirection of movement of the said plates.

3. Apparatus of the class described which comprises sign plates, amagazine for containing saidxplates, traveling chains upon which signplates from said magazine are successively placed in proper sequence forpresentation of the sign, spacing elements provided on said chains tocontact with the sign plates and carry the said respective plates inproperly spaced relation on said chains, a contact bank past which saidsign plates are moved, a rotating reel interposed in the path of thesign plates for effecting change in direction of movement thereof, andmeans for passing said chains about a portion of the periphery of saidreel with the sign plates held between said plates and said reel, tothereby effect a change in direction of movement of said plates and atthe same time preserving the proper sequence and proper space relationof said plates.

4. Apparatus of the class described which comprises sign plates, amagazine for containing said plates, traveling chains upon which signplates from said magazine are successively placed in proper sequence forpresentation of the sign, spacing elements provided on said chains forengaging with the sign plates and carrying them in properly spacedrelation on the chains, a contact bank for acting electrically upon saidsign plates, a rotating reel interposed in the path of said sign platesbetween the discharge side of the ma azine and the intake side of thecontact ban means for passing said chains about a portion of theperiphery of said reel with the sign plates held between the chains andthe reel to thereby redirect the movement of the sign plates into properdirection for introduction into the contact bank, a second rotating reelinterposed in the path of movement of said sign plates between thedischarge side of the contact bank and the intake side of said magazine,and means for passing said chains about a portion of the periphery ofsaid reel with the sign plates held between the chains and the reel tothereby effect reversal of the plates into proper position for reentryinto said magazine.

5. Apparatus of the class described which comprises sign plates,traveling chains for carrying said sign plates in proper sequence forpresentation of the sign, spaced lugs provided on said chain, arotatable reel located along the path of travel of said sign plates,means for passing said chains over a portion of the periphery of saidreel with the said sign plates held between the chains and the reel, andmeans provided on said reel for engagement with said spaced lugs on thechains to thereby effect a positive engagement between the chains andthe reel with resultant synchronous movement thereof.

6. Apparatus of the class described which comprises lsign plates,traveling chains for transporting said sign plates in proper sequence,spacing elements provided on said chains for engagement. with the rearedges of said sign plates to thereby effect proper spacing of saidplates on the chains, a rotatable reel located along the path ofmovement of said chains and sign plates, means for passing the chainsaround a portion of the periphery of said reel, means provided on saidreel for engagement with said spacing elements on the chain to hold thechains a short distance off of the periphery of the reel and thus form aseries of compartments for carrying the said sign plates, saidcompartments being formed between the peri hery of the reel, thetraveling chains, and t e spacing elements at the front and rear of eachplate.

7. In an apparatus of the classdisclosed, sign plates, chains upon whichsaid sign plates are successively laid, spacing elements for effect-ingand maintaining proper spacing of the sign plates upon said chains, anda direction changing means which comprises a rotatable reel around whichsaid chains are passed with said spacing elements adjacent the reel tothereby positively hold and carry the sign plates between the chains andthe reel, while proper spacing of said plates is maintained.

8. Apparatus of the character disclosed comprising in combination signplates, an upright magazine for supporting a body of the sign platessuperposed on top of each other in a substantially vertical stack, saidsign plates having runners along the edges of the same serving assupporting members for the plates and sign elements on the platesbetween said runners and of less height than said runners, a contactbank for actuation by the sign elements of the plates, chains extendingbeneath tlie foot of the magazine and having upstanding lugs engageablewith the sign plates to extract them one at a time from the foot of thestack, said chains being guided to carry the sign plates past thecontact bank, a rotating reel overstanding the upper end of themagazine, said chains extending over and about said reel and confiningthe sign plates to the reel and whereby said plates are reversed anddeposited in reversed order on top of the stack.

9. Control mechanism for talking signs comprising in combination aContact bank, sign plates for operating said Contact bank, a magazinefor supporting a stack of the sign plates in superposed order a. signplate re- Versing reel at the head of and overstanding the top of themagazine and Cha-ins operating beneatli the foot of the magazine, pastthe Contact bank and about, the reversing reel whereby to extract thesign plates from the bottom of the stack, carry them past the contactbank and deposit them in reversed order on the top of the stack.

In testimony whereof I a'Hix my signature.

FRANCIS E. J. WILDIi

